It all started with a trial match against Newcastle on a warm
night in Maitland back in February and ended with a thumping at the
hands of the Roosters last Saturday night at a chilly ANZ
Stadium.

All up, Troy covered almost 20,000kms by train, plane and
automobile, keeping costs down by staying at friends’ places and
using thousands of frequent flyer points, plus 40th birthday
presents from relatives.

He took 11 days off work to complete his quest – and at the end
of it had just six premiership wins to show for his loyalty as the
Eels collected another wooden spoon.

Fellow Eels tragic Matt Carroll shared Troy’s pain, dodging the
Maitland trial but getting to every premiership game in a similar
show of support.

He and Troy would often give each other a nod at away games
before slipping into the crowd and praying it would be the Eels’
day.

Those prayers were rarely answered in 2018.

“Amanda did question the craziness of going to away games when I
could watch it in the Parra cave, as we were losing most matches,”
Troy admitted.

“But it was still worth it. It was about being there live and
showing loyalty and support to the players during what was a
difficult season.

“And I got to travel to new places I haven't been before -
Darwin and Townsville for example – and got to meet fellow Eels
fans I've only known online.”

Darwin and Townsville delivered both the highlight and lowlight
of Troy’s odyssey.

It was in Darwin that he got to meet one of his football idols,
Johnathan Thurston, and witness a rare Parramatta victory back in
round 14.

But against the same opposition in round 24, the season from
hell hit rock bottom.

“It was my first time in Townsville for a Parra game but very
disappointing as we got flogged,” Troy recalled.

“We were never in it in a game for what at the time was the
wooden spoon grand final.

“That’s the lowest I had felt throughout the season.”

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur told Sporting News: “Members and
fans are the lifeblood of our club, and it’s their support that
motivates us to start next season strongly.

“Supporters like Troy and Matt, who attended every game despite
the results, are the reason we want to be exceptionally better in
2019.”

Troy doubts he will again do a full season live, but there is
one trip he is desperate to tick off.

“For Parramatta to win the grand final at ANZ Stadium…that’s one
thing I really want to experience,” he smiled.